Paraplegic claims surfing museum isn't accessible

The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, here, in Huntington Beach may be sued by paraplegic Chris Langer, 51, not shown. It is being accused of not having proper accomodations for disabled persons. A ramp for persons in wheelchairs can be seen at right. ROD VEAL, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Evolution of ADA laws

1990: The federal Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in an effort to protect the civil rights of the disabled.

2008: California lawmakers passed a state law in an effort to reduce the number of ADA lawsuits being filed against local businesses. The California Commission on Disability Access is formed to serve as a resource for businesses to avoid violations and track ADA lawsuits filed across the state. The commission also offered inspection services for businesses as a proactive measure to avoid ADA lawsuits. The law also limited the amount of damages a plaintiff could seek to $4,000 for each violation. Before that, the amount was unlimited.

2012: The state law was amended to ban lawyers from sending “demand for money” letters and would give some businesses 60 days to fix their violations and potentially reduce their fines from $4,000 to $1,000. Small businesses, with 25 or fewer employees, would get 30 days to fix any violations and could see reduced damages from $4,000 to $2,000.

Source: The California Commission on Disability Access

HUNTINGTON BEACH A paraplegic man who has filed hundreds of lawsuits against various businesses is now claiming that the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum is not accessible to the disabled.

Chris Langer, 51, of San Diego filed a claim against the city July 5 saying he plans to take his case to Orange County Superior Court. Claims are generally precursors to lawsuits and Langer's does not say a specific amount in damages.

In the claim, Langer, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair, said he has visited the museum on several occasions, including April 19. He said he encountered "unlawful architectural barriers" including the lack of accessible parking and an accessible path from the parking lot to the museum.

Langer has filed more than 70 lawsuits in Orange County and more than 300 in San Diego County alleging Americans with Disabilities Act violations, according to court records.

City officials said Langer's claim is under review and no action has been taken.

Multiple attempts to contact Langer and his lawyer, Mark D. Potter, went unanswered.

Museum officials say they have had numerous wheelchair users visit their museum without issue, including a board member who uses an electronic wheelchair.

The museum has a designated parking lot and a ramp that leads from the adjacent parking lot to the side door of the museum, said museum director Dan McCoy.

There is not a marked handicap spot at the museum but McCoy said the lot, all with close parking spaces, is reserved only for museum patrons.

"There is adequate parking for everybody and there is a way to get in," McCoy said.

Langer is looking for compensation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into federal law in 1990 to protect the civil rights of the disabled.

He has filed suits against various businesses in Orange County since 2007 including Rose's Sugar Shack in San Clemente, Patrick's Pub in Costa Mesa, Garf's Sports Lounge in Costa Mesa and Sandpiper Lounge in Laguna Beach, according to court records.

Over the years, some have questioned whether Potter and Langer are disability advocates or predatory litigants looking for settlements that can turn out thousands of dollars.

Their names are listed on at least two lawsuit abuse sites that track and report how often they are filing ADA complaints.

The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, here, in Huntington Beach may be sued by paraplegic Chris Langer, 51, not shown. It is being accused of not having proper accomodations for disabled persons. A ramp for persons in wheelchairs can be seen at right. ROD VEAL, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, here, in Huntington Beach may be sued by paraplegic Chris Langer, 51, not shown. The museum is being accused of not having proper accomodations for disabled persons. However, a ramp shown here, provides access through the side of the museum from the parking lot. ROD VEAL, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, here, in Huntington Beach is being sued by paraplegic Chris Langer, 51, not shown. Although, persons in wheelchairs aren't able to enter through the front, seen here, a handicap access ramp is attached to the north side of the building. ROD VEAL, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.